Italy, the Netherlands, and Canada have pledged to comply with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who are accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict.
The ICC issued the warrants on Thursday, also targeting Mohammed Deif, the Hamas military chief. Italy’s Defense Minister, Guido Crosetto, stated that the country would be obligated to arrest Netanyahu if he visited, although he disagreed with equating Netanyahu and Gallant with Hamas. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized that Italy would consult allies on the matter while supporting the ICC’s legal role.
This marks the first time a sitting leader from a major Western country has faced such charges. The ICC panel accuses Netanyahu and Gallant of war crimes, including starvation, and crimes against humanity, such as murder and persecution.
The ongoing Gaza war, which began with a Hamas cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in widespread devastation. Over 44,000 Palestinians, mainly women and children, have died, while most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced.
The Netherlands’ Foreign Minister, Caspar Veldkamp, confirmed that the country would arrest Netanyahu if he entered, reaffirming their commitment to the ICC’s mandates. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated that the warrants are binding for all EU member states, urging respect for the ICC’s decision.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also affirmed Canada’s commitment to the ICC, declaring that the country would uphold international law. Trudeau reiterated the need for a ceasefire and a two-state solution, alongside the release of hostages and more humanitarian aid for Gaza. The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) praised Trudeau’s stance, calling it a significant step for justice in Gaza.
